Makkah News and Updates

2014-09-05

The Saudi government has denied claims made in a British newspaper's report that it plans to destroy the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah.

Saudi Gazette and Arab News among other Middle Eastern news outlets reported this on Thursday quoting Ahmed Al-Mansouri, the media spokesman for government agency the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques.

“This is the personal opinion of a researcher, who had expressed his views in a study, and it does not reflect the views of the presidency or the Kingdom,” Al-Mansouri said, according to reports.

“What is being circulated in the media about the chamber where the Prophet’s grave is situated at the Prophet’s Mosque is related to a special study carried out by a researcher.

“It does not represent either the opinion of the presidency or the directive of the state, which has utmost keenness in serving the two holy mosques and maintaining their sanctity,” the spokesman said.

“Researchers and various outlets of media should not engage in publishing reports that create confusion and incite sedition.

“The reports should be based on wisdom, objectivity, truthfulness and (devoid) of exaggeration especially in those matters related to the holy mosques,” he added.

On Tuesday, British dailies The Independent and Daily Mail said in a report that a proposal to remove the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah had been sent to the Presidency.

Mansouri said the presidency was discussing the prospect of taking legal action against the Independent with their legal consultants.

Independent report 'mistranslation'?

Mowafaq Al-Nowaiser, deputy editor-in-chief of the Makkah-based “Makkah” newspaper, told Al Arabiya channel that the British daily's report was a 'theft' and 'mistranslation' of an Arabic article that appeared in the daily on Aug 25 on the subject.

The report was carried in news outlets across the world, especially in Muslim countries, sparking protests.

In Bangladesh, the Sunni movement Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat demanded explanation from the Saudi government and announced a plan to besiege the Saudi embassy.

http://bdnews24.com/world/2014/09/05...muhammads-tomb The Jakarta Post, Jakarta - Fri, September 05 2014

The Religious Affairs Ministry has called on Muslims in the country to remain calm in response to a rumor about a plan to relocate the tomb of Prophet Muhammad in Saudi Arabia, saying that the purported plan, first raised by a British media outlet, would never see the light of day.

On Monday, United Kingdom-based news portal The Independent posted a story about proposals that were part of a 61-page consultation document by leading Saudi academics calling for the transfer of Muhammad’s remains to the nearby al-Baqi cemetery in Medina.

In the post, titled “Saudis risk new Muslim division with proposal to move Mohamed’s tomb”, it was said that the proposals had been revealed by another Saudi academic who did not support the proposal to destroy holy places and artifacts in Mecca.

The news has quickly captured public attention and sparked concerns from Muslim religious leaders in the country.

Social media has also been abuzz with rejections from Muslims in the country who believe the tomb is a sacred place and must be preserved.

Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin responded quickly to the controversy.

On Thursday, Lukman, who was appointed Religious Affairs Minister in June, visited the Saudi Arabian Embassy to discuss the issue with Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia Mustafa bin Ibrahim al -Mubarak.

Later in the day, during a press conference held at his office, Lukman said the ambassador confirmed that the news was misleading.

“The ambassador has clarified that the rumor is groundless and that the Saudi Arabian government has no plans to move the tomb. Therefore, Indonesians should remain calm and should not be provoked by the issue,” Lukman said.

Lukman, however, confirmed that there were indeed a number of people who came up with a plan to expand the Al-Nabawi mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, which could affect on the Prophet’s tomb as it is located in the vicinity of the mosque. The plan, however, was never an official stance of the Saudi Arabian government.

“I call on Indonesian Muslims to only trust the official stance of the Saudi Arabian government,” said Lukman, who claimed that he was also shocked about the news.

- British newspaper first broke news of tomb removal
- Religious Affairs Minister confirms baseless rumor
- Islamic organizations condemn the plan

A number of prominent religious leaders in the country have expressed their condemnation of the purported plan.

Said Aqil Siradj, chairman of country’s biggest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and its former chairman, Hasyim Muzadi, had earlier expressed their condemnation.

Antara news agency has reported that Said “condemned and strongly opposed” the relocation idea.

Said said that NU would ask President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to demand that the Saudi Arabian government not demolish and remove the tomb.

Meanwhile, Hasyim said “Saudi will be doomed if it goes ahead with the plan. Hasyim said that the plan could be the outgrowth of a plan made by Saudi Wahabis who grew concerned that the tomb could lead to the practice of idolatry, otherwise known as shirk in Islam.

NU executive board member Masdar Farid Mas’udi has also said that the Koran cited several historical sites in its verses, including the tomb, Ka’bah and Masjidil Haram.

Muslim scholar Azyumardi Azra praised Lukman’s move, saying that it was necessary to maintain calm.

Azyumardi, however, said Lukman would face an uphill struggle to quell the rumor given that Muslims in the country believed that the Wahabis were controlling Saudi Arabia.

“The ministry’s call is positive, however it is difficult to dispel perception on Wahhabism,” he said.

Nadjamuddin Ramly, a member of the Institute for Wisdom and Public Policy (LHKP) at the country’s second-largest Islamic organization, Muhammadiyah, said that with the minister’s clarification should put an end to the controversy.

“The minister has confirmed that the Saudi government did not have such a plan; so all Muslims in the country, regardless of their backgrounds, should no longer prolong the controversy as it could be used to provoke them,” he said on Thursday.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2...tomb-plan.html

Monday 8 September 2014

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah will sponsor the Haj pilgrimage of 1,000 Palestinians whose family members were killed during the latest Israeli offensive on Gaza.

This brings to 12,000 the number of Palestinians, whose family members had either died or gone to prison, who have been personally sponsored by King Abdullah to perform the pilgrimage.

Saleh Al-Asheikh, minister of Islamic affairs, endowments, call and guidance, appreciated the king for his support to Palestinians.

“This display of hospitality by our leader emphasizes that our Kingdom is tasked with serving Islam, Muslims and the holy sites,” said Al-Asheikh.

The minister said this is the sixth such initiative in a row and is part of continued Saudi support for the Palestinian people.

“The ministry has come up with a special program to host the Palestinian pilgrims and help them perform the religious rituals comfortably,” he said.

“The ministry will make every effort to ensure that their stay is comfortable and their pilgrimage successful.”

http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/627031 Monday 8 September 2014

Saudi Arabia has no plan to ban some 70,000 Nigerian pilgrims from performing Haj this year because of Ebola virus cases that have surfaced in the West African country, a senior Saudi health official said.

“We have not stopped issuing Haj visas to Nigerians and we know that about 70,000 pilgrims come from the African country every year,” said Mohammed Al-Khasheem, deputy health minister for planning and development. He said the department for preventive medicine at the ministry is in continuous contact with the WHO to stay up to date on the latest developments on the Ebola virus and other infectious diseases.

“The WHO knows the situation in Mina and Arafat during the Haj season and there is no need to worry about a few Ebola cases that have occurred in Nigeria,” he said.

Nigeria, which has reported 13 confirmed cases, with five deaths and four patients who have fully recovered, was among the first countries to declare a national emergency to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading.
“We have taken precautionary measures to prevent an Ebola outbreak in the Kingdom during the Haj season,” said Al-Khasheem. “We have made early preparations for the annual pilgrimage,” he added.

Al-Khasheem said his ministry would focus on pilgrims arriving through 16 entry points, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the main gateway for pilgrims, and Prince Mohammed Airport in Madinah.

The Ebola outbreak is concentrated in three West African countries. Guinea reported 510 cases and 377 deaths, while Sierra Leone reported 670 cases and 355 deaths and Liberia 670 cases and 355 deaths. Nigeria does not share a border with any of the most endemic West African countries.

http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/627036 Monday 8 September 2014

The first group of 48 Sri Lankan Haj pilgrims arrived in Jeddah on a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight on Sunday.

The island’s national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, also brought in another group of pilgrims the same day.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Mohamed, Consul General Adam Bawa Uthumalebbe and senior diplomats from the country's missions in Riyadh and Jeddah were present to welcome the arriving pilgrims.

“Last year, we had 3,200 pilgrims, but the Haj quota was reduced by 20 percent this year because of ongoing development works in Makkah,” Ambassador Hussein Mohamed said.

This year, pilgrims coming from Colombo will be transported by SriLankan Airlines Saudia.

Two months ago, senior minister in charge of Sri Lankan Haj operations Abdul Hameed Mohamed Fowzie signed the Haj agreement with Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar in Jeddah, the envoy said.

In Colombo, Minister Fowzie was present to see off pilgrims at the Bandaranaike International Airport on Sunday morning.

Speaking to Arab News from Colombo, Fowzie said that Sri Lankan pilgrims will be provided with the best of services both in Makkah and Madinah during their pilgrimage.

“With the help of the Saudi government, we have also introduced a new software in our system to streamline all our Haj activities,” he said, pointing out that the pilgrims’ movements will be carefully monitored and that travel agents will be held responsible for anything untoward happening to the pilgrims.

Minister Fowzie said that this year, the first timers were given preference in the selection of pilgrims. “I have also stipulated the minimum cost for each pilgrim, which should include airfare, accommodation and internal travel,” Fowzie said, warning that any travel operator who tries to exploit the pilgrims will be severely dealt with.

Around 7 percent of the country’s 20.2 million inhabitants are Muslim.

“Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has given special instructions to the Sri Lankan missions in the Kingdom directing the respective heads of missions to offer the best facilities and services to the Lankan pilgrims, Uthumalebbe said, adding that the embassy in Riyadh and its consulate in Jeddah have geared up their staff to serve the pilgrims to the best of their ability.

Uthumalebbe said his consulate has deployed a team at the Haj terminal to meet and greet Sri Lankan pilgrims. The officials will offer refreshments to the pilgrims on arrival and attend to their needs until they leave for the holy cities. He added that his mission had formed three teams in Makkah, Jeddah, Minah and Madinah to assist the pilgrims.

In addition to the mission’s staff, the diplomat said that he had solicited the cooperation of volunteers, who would help the pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah and at the Haj Terminal.

He said a medical team will also arrive with the pilgrims to look after their health needs.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/627001 Monday 8 September 2014

The ban on the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders at the holy sites during Haj will remain in force due to safety reasons.

As per the safety instructions to be followed during camping for Haj, the Civil Defense has urged pilgrims to strictly avoid the use of LPG cylinders at the holy sites, because it poses serious threats to the safety of the pilgrims.

Maj. Gen. Suleiman bin Abdullah Al-Amr, director general of Civil Defense, said Sunday that Prince Mohammad bin Naif, minister of interior, has issued a directive keeping in place the ban on the use of liquefied gas for cooking at the holy sites during this year’s Haj season.

The Civil Defense has issued a safety advisory for pilgrims. They will prevent the entry of LPG cylinders into the holy sites with the coordination of police.

In addition, Civil Defense teams will carry out regular inspection of tents to ensure there are no gas cylinders. Those found guilty of violating the instruction will be fined and will have their gas cylinders confiscated.

The director general asserted that the civil defense team has completed the elaborate arrangements to ensure that the guests of God have a safe and secure Haj.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/626981

الإثنين 08/09/2014

تضع الشركة المنفذة لمشروع رفع الطاقة الاستيعابية للمطاف حاليًا اللمسات الأخيرة للانتهاء من المرحلة الثانية، وتستعد لإطلاق المرحلة الثالثة بعد الحج، وذلك بفك هلال المنارات وتنفيذ بعض الأعمال الفنية التي لاتؤثرعلى حركة الحجاج والزوار والمعتمرين والمصلين داخل المسجد الحرام وساحاته، أوضح ذلك الرئيس العام لشؤون المسجد الحرام والمسجد النبوي الشيخ الدكتور عبدالرحمن بن عبدالعزيز السديس أن مخرجات المرحلة الأولى والثانية من مشروع خادم الحرمين الشريفين لتوسعة المطاف سيتم الاستفادة منها في موسم الحج هذا العام بمشيئة الله تعالى.

وأشار في تصريح لـ «المدينة» إلى أن مشروع خادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك عبدالله بن عبدالعزيز لزيادة الطاقة الاستيعابية للمطاف؛ يسير وفق الخطة الزمنية المحددة له وبفضل الله بدأت الاستعدادات لانطلاق المرحلة الثالثة والتي ستبدأ بعد موسم الحج مباشرة إن شاء الله.

وأضاف السديس أنه جريًا على عادة الرئاسة في الحفاظ على المقتنيات التاريخية التي نتجت عن توسعات المسجد الحرام والمسجد النبوي السابقة والتي أنشأت لها معرض عمارة الحرمين الشريفين عام 1420هـ بجوار مصنع كسوة الكعبة المشرفة، فقد تم توجيه الإدارة العامة للمشروعات والدراسات بإعداد الدراسات اللازمة لتوسعة المعرض لاستيعاب القطع الأثرية والنقوش الكتابية التي جرى حصرها وتوثيقها بكافة وسائل التوثيق العلمية.

وذكر أن العمل جار على ربطها بنظام المعلومات الجغرافية (GIS)، قائلًا: «قد سبق للرئاسة أن أضافت ما نتج عن مشروع التوسعة الجزئية للمطاف التي تمت في عام ١٤٢٦هـ وكذلك مشروع تسوية مناسيب الحرم القديم التي تمت في عام ١٤٢٧هـ إلى المعروضات الخارجية وشمل ذلك الأعمدة والتيجان التي نتجت عن هذين المشروعين».

وبين السديس أنه ستتضح معالم المشروع بشكلٍ دقيق بعد اكتمال مرحلته الثالثة التي ستنفذ إن شاء الله في العام القادم ١٤٣٦هـ، وذلك من خلال الإبقاء على الرواق العباسي في النواحي الشمالية والجنوبية والغربية بعد أن تم ترحيل الرواق الشرقي المتمم للرواق العباسي باتجاه الغرب لإفساح المجال لتوسعة مسار الطواف في الأدوار العليا، بالإضافة إلى تنزيل منسوب أرضيته إلى منسوب صحن الطواف لضمان الربط الأفقي الفعال بين صحن الطواف والقبو وانتهاءً بالساحات الخارجية.

وأوضح الرئيس العام أن مشروع خادم الحرمين الشريفين لزيادة الطاقة الاستيعابية للمطاف سيحدث نقلة كبرى في الخدمات المقدمة لقاصدي المسجد الحرام، ولا يقتصر ذلك على استيعاب مضاعفة أعداد الطائفين لثلاث مرات إذا ما اكتملت التوسعة في كافة مراحلها؛ بل يتجاوز ذلك إلى جودة وتنوع الخدمات التي سيوفرها هذا المشروع .

ورصدت عدسة «المدينة» أمس الاستعدادات الجارية ميدانيًا جهة ساحات الحرم المكي الجنوبية، حيث تم تركيب أكبر رافعة (ونش) في الشرق الأوسط يزيد ارتفاعها عن 200 مترمربع، أمام مجمع دورات المياه في الساحات الجنوبية جهة باب الملك عبدالعزيز على مساحة تقدر بـ 250 مترًا مربعًا. وشوهد عدد من المختصين وهم يرصدون ويوثقون جميع المباني القديمة للمسجد الحرام عبر تصويرها في أفلام لتصبح كوثائق تاريخية بما في ذلك عدد الأعمدة وبلاط الأرضيات التي تمثل تراثًا تاريخيًا.

http://www.al-madina.com/node/555820...medium=twitter

Google translation: Put the company executing the project to raise the capacity of the destination for offline finishing touches for the completion of the second phase, and is preparing to launch the third phase after the Hajj, so unzip crescent lighthouses and implementation of some of the artwork that Atatheraly movement of pilgrims and visitors and pilgrims and worshipers inside the Grand Mosque and its courtyards, explained that the General President of the Sacred Mosque the Prophet's Mosque Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Sudais that outputs first and second phase of the project Monarch expansion will eventually take advantage of them in the pilgrimage season this year, God willing.

He told the «city» that the draft Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to increase the capacity of took shape; proceeding according to schedule him and thanks to God, began preparations for the start of the third phase, which will begin after the Hajj season directly, God willing.

He Sudais that keeping with usually presidency in maintaining holdings historical that resulted from the expansion of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque earlier, which established her gallery architecture of the Two Holy Mosques in 1420 next to the plant covering of the Kaaba, has been directing the General Administration of projects and studies to prepare the necessary studies to expand the show to accommodate the pieces archaeological and inscriptions that have been counted and documented all the means of scientific documentation.

He said that work is underway on a linked system of geographic information (GIS), saying: «has already for the presidency that she said what resulted from the expansion project Partial took shape, which has in 1426H, as well as a draft settlement levels of the old campus, which has in 1427h to the exhibits of Foreign Affairs and included columns and crowns that resulted from these projects ».

And between Sudais it will clarify the parameters of the project thoroughly after the completion of its third phase, which will be carried out, God willing, in the next year 1436h, through retaining the hallway Abbasi in areas of North, South and West after he was deported eastern porch complement the gallery Abbasi westward to make room for the expansion of the path of circumambulation in the upper floors, in addition to download floor level to the level of the circumambulation dish to ensure the effective horizontal linkage between the basement and the circumambulation dish and the end of the squares of Foreign Affairs.

The President-General to Project Monarch to increase the capacity of took shape will shift a major in the services provided to visitors of the Grand Mosque, is not limited to accommodate double the number of Taivin to three times if they completed the expansion in all its stages; but extends to the quality and variety of services to be provided by this the project.

And spotted lens «city» yesterday the ongoing preparations on the ground side courtyards of the Haram al-Makki South, where they were installing the largest crane in the Middle East, higher than 200 square meters, in front of complex Bathrooms in the squares South side door of King Abdulaziz on an estimated area of ​​250 square meters . Seen a number of specialists who are donating and documenting all the old buildings of the Grand Mosque across photographed in films to become historical as documents, including the number of columns and floor tiles that represent the historical heritage. 7 September 2014

بدأت لجنة من الشركة المنفذة لمشروع توسعة خادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك عبدالله بن عبدالعزيز للمسجد الحرام وتوسعة صحن المطاف لزيادة الطاقة الاستيعابية للمطاف وبالتنسيق مع الرئاسة العامة لشؤون المسجد الحرام والمسجد النبوي، أمس، في إخلاء منارتي باب الملك عبدالعزيز في المسجد الحرام استعدادا لإزالتهما، وذلك لوقوعهما ضمن مراحل مشروع خادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك عبدالله بن عبدالعزيز لرفع الطاقة الاستيعابية لصحن المطاف.

وقد انطلقت أعمال الإخلاء بقطع خدمات التيار الكهربائي عن المنارتين عبر عدد من المهندسين والعمال الفنيين وإخلائهما من الأدوات الكهربائية من سماعات الصوت والمصابيح وغيرها من الأدوات، لتبدأ بعدها علميات الإزالة الكاملة وفق جدول زمني موضوع محدد سلفا مع مراعاة عدم مضايقة الزوار، وأخذ الحيطة لسلامتهم، ومنع دخولهم للأماكن المزالة، مع الحفاظ على المقتنيات التاريخية التي نتجت عن التوسعة، حيث يتم تغليف أعمدة الحرم القديم والنقوش الكتابية. وأكدت مصادر مطلعة لـ«عكاظ» أنه سيعاد بناء منارتي باب الملك عبدالعزيز من جديد ضمن المرحلة القادمة من مراحل مشروع خادم الحرمين الشريفين لزيادة الطاقة الاستيعابية لصحن المطاف.

http://www.okaz.com.sa/new/issues/20...0907721754.htm

Google translation: Began a committee of the company executing the project to expand the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Grand Mosque and the Mataf expansion to increase the capacity of took shape and in coordination with the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, yesterday, in the evacuation of minarets of King Abdul Aziz gate in the Grand Mosque in preparation for removing, for Oukuahma within stages of the project Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to raise the capacity of the Mataf.

It began work eviction by cutting services, electricity minarets across a number of engineers and technical workers and vacated of power tools from sound speakers, lights and other tools, to begin after the operations complete removal according to a timetable Multi predetermined taking into account not harass visitors, taking care to their safety, and to prevent incomes for places removed, while preserving the historical holdings that resulted from the expansion, where the columns are wrapped old Haram and inscriptions. Well-informed sources told «Okaz» it will be re-building minarets of King Abdulaziz gate again within the next phase of the project stages Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to increase the capacity of the Mataf.

Tuesday, 9 September 2014 - 14 Dhul-Qedah 1435

JEDDAH — The Ministry of Finance has approved five companies to maintain more than a million air-conditioners in Mina during the upcoming Haj season.

According to Okaz sources, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has finalized studying the establishment of two-level tents in Arafat.

The same source said that the ministry has also completed studies on establishing a railway line north of the holy sites.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140909217564 Tuesday, 09 September 2014

MAKKAH — Minister of Haj Dr. Bandar Bin Hajjar Sunday evening held the 2nd annual meeting with companies and foundations of pilgrims from inside the Kingdom.

During the meeting, Hajjar urged them to provide best services to pilgrims as the government has provided all facilities to promote Haj services.

The minister noted that a toll-free number 8004304444 has been set up for the benefit of better serving the pilgrims.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140909217561 Tuesday 9 September 2014

The Health Ministry will establish a 50-bed, exclusive isolation ward at Arafat Hospital during Haj as a preventive measure against Ebola and other communicable diseases, announced Mohammed Al-Khasheem, deputy health minister for planning and development.

He said that over 22,000 medics will be deployed at the holy sites and in Makkah during the busy season.

Al-Khasheem told local media on Saturday that pilgrims should not be worried about any outbreak of epidemic in the Kingdom.

“The Health Ministry is examining pilgrims coming from abroad at 16 entry points across the Kingdom and at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah,” he said.

The deputy minister said that over 700 personnel will check the vaccination certificates of incoming foreign pilgrims in Jeddah alone.

Pilgrims suspected of any illness will be vaccinated at the entry points.
“Staff are being training in accordance with international standards to fight Ebola, coronavirus and other diseases,” he said.

“Saudi doctors are very competent at dealing with health issues arising at huge gatherings, such as Haj, using state-of-the-art technology. The ministry established a command and control center that works around the clock to deal with health emergencies and report suspected epidemic cases at local health facilities that have been set up around the city,” he explained.

Other measures include establishing a scientific advisory board, issuing firm guidelines to contain the dangers of infections spreading, allocating a number of hospitals to deal with infected cases and providing scientific guidelines on how to deal with suspected cases.

The Health Ministry is following the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) on possible symptoms among pilgrims coming from Nigeria and other African nations, he said.

“The WHO ensures that departing international passengers are examined by WHO-monitored teams at airports in Nigeria. These travelers will be re-examined by other countries upon their arrival to confirm they are free of possible Ebola-related symptoms.”

The two-day international conference that was launched by the minister concluded on Sunday.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/627481

Tuesday 9 September 2014

Saudi Arabia is an ideal place for large-scale development and a conducive testing laboratory for “Smart City” services, according to Omar Al-Momtaz, consulting manager for IDC Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi cities have witnessed an exponential increase in population, to the point where Smart City management has become a necessity,” he said, adding that it would help existing cities cope better with quick population growth.

He said that no city in the world has seen its population treble at least twice a year, notably in Makkah in Haj and Umrah, while regulating the flows of many millions of people moving across a well-defined, yet limited space.

He added that the ongoing Haramain high-speed railway project, spanning 450 km and running at more than 300 kph, could represent the ideal starting point for Smart City traffic management, since stations at Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic Cities and Madinah, are already under construction.

“They are located in future ‘Smart Cities’. With a traffic load of more than 3 million passengers per year, it surely requires intelligent support services and additional public transport systems (buses, Jeddah metro, etc.) to deliver on such services,” he said.

Al-Momtaz added that the journey toward a Smart City involves a multifaceted transformation.

“These initiatives must impact areas from the provision of transport, energy, and health care services, to the state of public safety and government services,” he said.

He added that a Smart City comprises the successful integration of multiple domain initiatives that result in a multiplier effect to the city as a whole.

He also said that enabling access to a vibrant economy for businesses, citizens and local government is the ultimate goal of a Smart City and effective Smart City solutions must integrate information and operations between city systems.

“For instance, to provide effective and smart public safety, governments would require a seamless view across its border management, surveillance, emergency response and other related systems,” he said.

He said that the following include the attributes for a solution to be considered “smart”:

*In gathering data, the pervasive broadband networks must be in place to collect and transport it in real time or in near real time.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/627441

Tuesday 9 September 2014

Saudi authorities have developed a new electronic system to track down people with fake Haj permits during the upcoming pilgrimage, a source at the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

“Security officers will carry the newly developed electronic readers to check Haj permits that have barcodes as pilgrims head to the holy sites through the checkpoints,” the source said.

He said the application of the new electronic system would reduce the use of fake Haj permits, adding that security officers would be able to check the Haj permits of pilgrims on a bus within 30 seconds.

“Before the introduction of the new system, checking the Haj permits of pilgrims traveling in a bus used to take 50 minutes,” the official said, adding that it delayed the flow of Haj buses at checkpoints in the past.

He said barcodes of licensed Haj service companies would be pasted on the windows of every Haj bus for quick scanning by the device.

The ministry official emphasized the fact that security officers at the entry points of Makkah and other holy sites have been trained to use the new electronic system to do their work quickly and efficiently.

He said the latest move would prevent entry of pilgrims who do not possess valid Haj permits and stop the use of fake permits.

“An important feature of this device is that it can operate without the support of Internet,” the official said.

Saudis and expats have welcomed the ministry’s efforts to organize the annual pilgrimage. “This system will definitely encourage people to obtain Haj permits before heading for the holy sites,” said Salim Al-Qahtani.

Al-Qahtani, who had previously performed Haj without the support of a Haj service company, said he was not satisfied with that pilgrimage because he was staying under the bridge to protect against sun.

“Staying in a proper tent will enable us to engage in worship and prayers without any difficulty,” he pointed out.

Authorities have warned that expat workers who are caught performing Haj without carrying a valid permit would be deported immediately and banned from entering the Kingdom for 10 years.

Similarly, the owners of vehicles used to smuggle illegal pilgrims to the holy sites will be detained and fined and their vehicles impounded.

An expat worker, who requested anonymity, said thousands of people perform Haj every year without permits and squat in public places, causing problem to other pilgrims. “They even block the smooth movement of Civil Defense and Red Crescent vehicles,” he pointed out.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/627501

Tuesday 9 September 2014

The United Agents office has deployed 27,000 workers at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah to handle the loading and unloading of luggage belonging to Haj pilgrims, an official said.

“We are using modern state-of-the-art equipment to handle the baggage of incoming pilgrims at the airports and eleven land entry points,” Farouq Abu Zayed, chairman of United Agents office said on Monday.

Abu Zayed pointed out that the workers were seasonal workers hired by the United Agents office to cope with the increased rush at the airports and various entry points with the influx of Haj pilgrims ahead of the Haj.

Commenting on the various land entry points, he said: “We have increased the number of staff at Salwa, Halat Ammar, New Arar, Tuwail, Al Raqi, Qusra, Batha, King Fahd Causeway, Badiya, Alab and Hadisa entry points,” he said.

Abu Zayed stated that the United Agents office is coordinating and cooperating with the pilgrims’ representatives (offices of Haj affairs, travel companies, agencies, and associations) as well as the concerned National Tawafa Establishments and the National Guides Establishment to guide the pilgrims to their field service offices.

He added that it is also arranging bus services in coordination with the General Syndicate of Vehicles to transport the pilgrims to Makkah or Madinah and offering all kinds of help regarding their transportation and departure.

The chairman said that the United Agents office is notifying the competent authorities at the arrival and departure terminals about pilgrims who are lost.

He added that they check these terminals every six hours to follow up on the missing pilgrim and report to the general security departments in case the pilgrim is not found. Moreover, authorities are also constantly updated on the search results, he said.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/627411

2,700 porters for pilgrims

JEDDAH — The United Agents Office (UAO) has designated more than 2,700 seasonal porters for pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz airport in Madinah. A UAO source said the porters will ensure the satisfaction of the pilgrims and guarantee a speedy process. The source said the seasonal porters have been trained to provide the best quality service.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140910217642

 

5 workers killed in Makkah as wall collapses


Civil defense and construction workers used heavy equipment to dig for workers buried under
a collapsed retaining wall at a construction project in Makkah on Wednesday.

Wednesday, 10 September 2014 - 15 Thul-Qedah 1435

RIYADH – As of Monday, a total of 269,537 pilgrims from various countries have arrived in the Kingdom. Of these pilgrims 268,633 came by air, 896 by sea and eight by land, according to a statement from the media center of the Directorate General of Passports.

Two pilgrims were transferred to the concerned security authorities after it was discovered that they were wanted by security agencies while another two pilgrims were sent back – one of them had no visa and the other was found with fake travel documents.

“All entry points into the Kingdom have been mobilized with adequate number of officials and high tech facilities to quickly complete the travel procedures of the pilgrims,” the Saudi Press Agency reported quoting the statement.

Meanwhile, Makkah Emir Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah, who is also head of the Central Haj Committee, will next week visit the Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP) to inspect its readiness for the Haj season. Prince Mishal will also review development projects at the seaport, which is expected to receive over 15,000 pilgrims this year.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140910217729 Wednesday, 10 September 2014

MAKKAH — In preparation for the upcoming Haj, the Makkah Municipality began maintenance of street lampposts at the holy sites.

An official from Makkah Municipality said field teams began installing new lampposts of different sizes at a number of locations.

The municipality has already installed more than 4,000 lampposts and more than 5,000 lanterns in Mina, Muzdalefah and Arafat.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140910217643 Wednesday 10 September 2014

Saudi Arabia has launched a major media campaign ahead of the annual pilgrimage to educate Saudis and expatriate workers on the importance of obtaining Haj permits in order to help organize the largest gathering of Muslims in a better way.

Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah launched The Right Way Is Haj With A Permit campaign in the city on Tuesday, aimed at preventing squatting of pilgrims in public places and controlling their number to avoid overcrowding in the holy sites.

Prince Mishaal, who is chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, said the city is geared up for the big event. “All sectors are perfectly ready and we’ll not spare any effort in the service of the guests of Allah,” he added.

The campaign aims to ensure that only persons with permits perform the Haj and that pilgrims and service providers comply with ethical and regulatory standards.

All related ministries and government departments are participating in the campaign. The telecommunications sector, in its role as a strategic sponsor, has also been helping to create public awareness.

“We are confident that we are striving, under the direction of the Saudi leadership, to offer the best services at the holiest locations on earth,” the governor said.

Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar said the permits have been introduced to limit the numbers of pilgrims because of space constraints. This could only be achieved by allowing individuals to perform Haj once every five years.

“The introduction of the Haj permit is not to ban people from repeatedly performing the pilgrimage. It is a regulatory step taken in view of a threefold increase in the number of pilgrims which affects proper Haj organization,” he said.

The prince also launched mobile and other handheld communication devices designed to check Haj permits.

The campaign will feature promotions on satellite channels, radio, roadside screens, commercial centers and hospitals.

http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/628076

 

Supermoon in Makkah
 

Wednesday 10 September 2014

A total of 1,400 Muslim leaders from more than 70 countries will perform Haj this year as guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, said Islamic Affairs Minister Saleh Al-Asheikh on Tuesday.

“King Abdullah has instructed us to make arrangements for hosting 1,400 pilgrims from different countries around the world to perform Haj this year as his guests,” said Al-Asheikh.

He said the king’s gesture reflects his care and support for Muslims all over the world and his keenness to strengthen Islamic solidarity by enhancing relations between Muslims in different countries.

The royal guests will come from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Maldives and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Muslim leaders from Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, India, Serbia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Ireland, Iceland, Niger, Uganda, Rwanda, Madagascar, Zambia, Comoros Islands, Kenya and Tanzania are also among royal invitees.

“We have hosted more than 22,000 Muslim leaders, including women, to perform Haj as royal guests in recent years,” the minister said, adding that new people are selected for the program every year. “This year’s guests include pilgrims from 40 African countries,” he said.

The ministry has taken every measure to make the program a big success and take care of the royal guests. “We have set up several committees for this purpose,” said Al-Asheikh.

http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/628061 Thursday 11 September 2014

The Minister of Interior and head of the Supreme Haj Council Prince Mohammed bin Naif has approved the general emergency and safety plan of the Civil Defense for pilgrims during the upcoming Haj season.

Maj. Gen. Suleiman bin Abdullah Al-Amro, director of the Civil Defense, said the approval is an extension of the efforts of the minister of interior, who has been closely following up on all matters related to the safety and security of pilgrims. The security plan supports efforts of the Civil Defense to carry out its duties in the face of any potential threats during the Haj season.

According to Al-Amro, the plan accommodates the recent renovations in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites, including the large expansion of the grounds of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, and was prepared based on lessons of previous Haj seasons.

He confirmed that the Civil Defense forces are fully prepared to carry out their duties this year, as per the plan, and face all potential threats and emergencies. He said the plan also takes into consideration the implementation of all necessary measures, and prevents potential threats through the provision of necessary means and equipment in coordination with other private and government agencies.

Al-Amro said there are 450 Civil Defense centers throughout Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites, all of which have been fully equipped with the necessary safety equipment, ambulances, fire trucks and water rescue equipment. Special Civil Defense units are also prepared to deal with hazardous materials.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/628471